IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Or is it? Prominent relationship experts say that it depends on your relationships...or lack of them...with family or extended family. When I was a child I remember listening to holiday music and hearing "It's the most wonderful time of the year", made famous by Andy Williams. As an adult, I am aware that it may have felt that way to Andy Williams, or the writer of the song, but for a lot of people, the holiday season can be a difficult time. It is difficult for a number of reasons,and most usually because someone is going to have to spend time with, or perhaps, without family.


Why do we find family or spending time with family so difficult? There are a multitude of reasons and they include anxiety, frustration, fears, joy, hopefulness and thankfully, happiness. Whether you spend your holidays with our without family, or as many of you are doing... spending it with your new family, I would like to share some thoughts with you as you prepare for your holiday season.

• Focus on the positive. Finding fault is easy. We all have faults and if someone looks hard enough, they can find them. Learn to compliment the other on what you like about them and you will find that they will concentrate on not doing those things that you have previously criticized them for.

• Establish and develop healthy boundaries. You can't control other people. You also cannot allow them to control you. Just say "no" to unhealthy behavior. Work on your own behavior and maintaining your own boundaries - not in trying to "save" or "correct" someone else. If you are getting to know your fiance's family, try to remember you are in the beginning stages of developing a new lifelong relationship. Starting your new family relations on as solid ground as possible can create a lifetime of peace!
  

Written exclusively for TwoBeWed by
Yvette Valdenegro
Life Coach, CTACC

www.YvetteValdenegro.com

Yvette@YvetteValdenegro.com

Party at The Patio!!

The Patio On Mercer loves to throw a good party and you don't want to miss it! Cocktails galore, sweets, treats, and yummy food by The Patio's in-house catering company, Campbell's Catering.

This is not your ordinary Open House. Don't be surprised if the brides next to you break out their dance moves when Divisi Strings and LG Entertainment bust out old school tunes.

You will get a chance to meet and greet with Houston's most talented sugar gurus including Angie's Cake, Edible Designs by Jessie, Chocolate Fountain Express, and Michael's Cookie Jar.

Invite your friends and family and consider it a date with your fiance'. Come and find out what the buzz around town is all about!

When: September 27, 2009 from 2-5 pm

Where: 3419 Mercer Street

What to Wear: Patio-chic attire

http://www.patioonmercer.com/

What's your Wedding Style?

You don't want to miss this class! TwoBeWed is hosting a Style and Design Class and Brunch at Aztec Events and Tents showroom on August 29, 2009. The cost is $10 and you will leave with 100 times worth that amount in tips, trends, and ways to create a cohesive style for your wedding.

Learn how to use stationery, floral, linens, lighting, cakes, favors, and cuisine to give your wedding a "personality". There are only a few spaces left but don't worry...even if you don't get a seat this time you can join us for another Style and Design Brunch in the near future.

Last But Not Least

Ok, so you've chosen the gown, hired your coordinator, got your first-pick photographer, sent out your invitations and are getting more replies than you expected...what next? It's usually the last item on the list, but certainly not the least important. In fact, it may be the most important element of all.....



Your BRIDAL STYLE! Yes, each and every one of you bustling brides has a particular style and will reflect that through your dress and accessory choices. Did you purchase a mermaid cut gown or a dress fit for a modern-day princess? Each choice represents a bridal style.



We (the ladies at TwoBeWed) tend to think that there are 3 types of brides: 1) The Classic Bride

2) The Glamorous Bride and 3) The Avante Garde or Modern Bride.



Maybe your style is more classic in your everyday life, but when you tried on that Badgley Mischka you said, "What the hell!!" It doesn't matter what dress you've chosen...at the end of the day you have to pull the entire look together: hair, make-up, veil, shoes, jewelry, the whole bit!



TwoBeWed is hosting an event with Solution For Hair and Make-up and several other top vendors in Houston to help you discover your bridal style. Come and enjoy a drink or two, snack on delicious bites from Cambell's Catering and Michael's Cookie Jar, and discover what you want
to look like on the most significant day of your life!

Solution For Hair
Thursday, August 27, 2009
6-8 pm
1800 Westheimer

Styling provided by Solution for Hair and Make-up, Mia Bridal Couture, and Laura Waldusky Jewelry Designs. Consider this a wedding gift from us!!



Check out http://www.solutionforhair.com/

Love Lee Photography for a Lovely Bride!

There are a ton of Houston Wedding Photographers...a dime a dozen, but Margaret Lee of Love Lee Photography stands a part as one of the best! She has the full package and by that, I don't mean engagement sessions, bridal sessions, and album choices (although, she gets two thumbs up in that department too)!

She is a pleasure to work with and I can always count on her getting the shots that my clients melt over. Her photography style is playful and thoughtful and her images vibrant, colorful, and alive! Margaret is dedicated to the client's wishes and desires, but also in tuned to their needs and provides photography packages that are suitable to every bride's budget.

Love Lee Photography will follow you to the ends of the world for destination weddings and also specializes in boudoir sessions.

Visit http://www.loveleephotography.com/ to view online galleries and to make an appointment to meet with Margaret!

Michael's Cookie Jar: Cookie Favors Done Right!

I am so excited to welcome Michael's Cookie Jar to the Two Be Wed family! Michael Savino is a trained pastry chef from the Culinary Institute of America. He is on a mission to create and introduce the yummiest and finest cookies in Houston and doing a fabulous job I might add!

Michael is best known for his elaborate cookie displays he calls "The Cookie Buffet" and "The Cookie Cake." They are perfect for your wedding reception and a nice change from the usual groom's cake.

Michael's Cookie Jar has three collections of cookies

1) Americana collection- the kind of cookies you prayed were waiting for you when you got home fro

m school! Delicious "chunky chocolate chip, fresh oatmeal raisin, and old fashioned peanut butter!

2)Fancy collection- European inspired cookies, petite, bite-size, and just beautiful. From raspberry buttertwists, cocoanut macaroons, and chocolate biscotti to Mexican wedding cake and Almond Florentine. The perfect gift for the hostess of the party!

3) Seasonal Collection- Michael's seasonal cookies are adorable and just too pretty to eat until you take a bite and then, well, you know how it goes! His wedding collection includes the couple's monogram, a wedding cake, and a cookie decorated with the bride and groom's picture.

Check out Michael's Cookie Jar at http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/. To schedule a cookie tasting contact Michael at michael@michaelscookiejar.com or 713.771.8603.

Your Houston Wedding Planners

Ok, Future Bride-to-Be....tell the truth! Is your wedding planning driving you nuts? Do you wish you had someone (knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest, and capable) to help you with all the tasks and decisions that have to be made before you walk down the aisle?

Fret no more! The creative minds at Two Be Wed are Houston wedding planners that you can trust to make your planning process exciting and the day-of, unforgettable! Call or email for a complimentary consultation. If you book a planning service we will offer you a $250 credit towards your package.

houston@twobewed.net
713.572.3030

Houston's Newest Event Venue: The Patio On Mercer

The Patio On Mercer is Houston's Newest Event Venue located in the West End District near Greenway Plaza. This is the perfect venue for engagement parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, intimate weddings, and post wedding brunches!

It boasts a 4,000 square foot covered and climate controlled patio with ammenties that are sure to impress your guests!

The Grand Opening event is on Thursday, May 28th from 6:30-8:30pm. Enjoy cocktails, lite bites, and good music. Floral delights by Events in Bloom! http://www.eventsinbloom.com

Visit http://www.patioonmercer.com/ for more information and to view the online gallery! To schedule a tour email Natalie Dawley at info@patioonmercer.com.

Grand Ideas for Your Grand Entrance

Grand Entrances should capture your guests. This is the first introduction as husband and wife at the reception...make it memorable!

1) Play a song that builds excitement! My clients Jason and Amanda played the Rocky theme song as they were raised up from the lift at Hotel ZaZa...their guests were going crazy! Dunna, duh, Dunna, duh, Dunna, duh, Dunna, duh!! (me trying to hum the song)

2) Do a little jig or a signature dance move! Have fun with the entrance...it sets the tone for the reception.

3) If you're a little more conservative then take your time. Don't rush to your seat. Let the entire song play and reach out to some of your guests to give them hugs or shake their hands. Seriously, this is your presidential moment!!

4) Please go straight to the dance floor!!!! There is nothing worse than building up the momentum and then coming to a screeching hault by sitting down. You already have everyone's attention so milk it for what it's worth and give them the dance of your life!

5)Smile, Kiss, and make it a photo worthy moment!! Guys, twirl your girl or dip her and when you lift her up meet her with a kiss! Seriously, you'll get the "Most Romantic" guy award and points with your honey!!

We would love to hear your unique ideas for Entrances....stay connected for ideas on the Grand Exit!!